The most important free-agent signings in sports history

July 10, 2014 |By STEPHEN COHEN

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1996: Shaq goes HollywoodAfter taking the NBA by storm in his first four season in the league and leading the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals, Shaquille O'Neal headed west to join the Los Angeles Lakers. When L.A. added Kobe Bryant the next season, the two -- under head coach Phil Jackson -- combined to form the league's most formidable set of stars, leading the Lakers to NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

6of16

1996: Shaq goes HollywoodAfter taking the NBA by storm in his first four season in the league and leading the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals, Shaquille O'Neal headed west to join the Los Angeles Lakers. When L.A. added Kobe Bryant the next season, the two -- under head coach Phil Jackson -- combined to form the league's most formidable set of stars, leading the Lakers to NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002.